Peter Essick’s Journey into Environmental Photojournalism

As both a picture and environment editor at National Geographic I live a hybrid life. On one hand I try to imagine how we can visualize—in fresh and compelling ways—the goings-on in our world for the stories we publish. On the other hand I’m deeply involved in conceiving and helping create many of our projects about global environmental change. I thrive where these two spheres intersect.

This intersection might best be described as “environmental photojournalism”—a combination of documentary photojournalism and environmental journalism. It’s a two-fold discipline inspired and informed by scientists who study patterns of change on our planet, largely brought about by humanity’s expanding presence. It also encompasses the finest traditions of world-class documentary photography—trying to eloquently make visual sense of our world so readers can better understand how to find their own place in it.

Among the most memorable environmental photojournalism projects I’ve been involved with have been collaborations with photographer Peter Essick. We first teamed up nearly 20 years ago on a project about non-point source water pollution—the kind that flows into rivers, bays, and the sea from fertilized lawns, farms, paved highways, and parking lots. This diffuse runoff pollution contributes to “hypoxic” or dead zones like those we find in the Chesapeake Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico near the Mississippi River delta.

Since that first story, Peter and I have traveled the road of environmental photojournalism together, teaming on 14 stories with subjects as diverse as nuclear waste, paleoclimatology, America’s wilderness, and the chemical pollution cocktail we each carry inside us. We collaborated on a 74-page climate change project in September 2004, and in 2010 we explored Greenland as it “greens up” in the face of rising global temperatures.

The Albian Sands Tailings Pond near Fort McMurray, Canada, shows a lot of polluted water, as well as an effigy of a peregrine falcon designed to keep migrating birds from landing in the toxic pond. Read more from this story on Canadian Oil Sands.

Peter has just released a new book called “Our Beautiful, Fragile World”—a retrospective of his 25 years as a photographer who’s been deeply engrossed in documenting the resilience of the natural world at the nexus of increasing encroachment and impact from expanding human activity.

A coal-fired power plant seems to hover over the residents of Conesville, Ohio. (Smokestack emissions from the power plant are at left, steam clouds from cooling towers are at right.)

Launch Gallery

I recently interviewed Peter about his origins and trajectory as an environmental photographer:

DENNIS DIMICK: You were a business major in college, then went to graduate school at Missouri for photojournalism. How did you get interested in photography?

PETER ESSICK: My father was a science teacher and a lover of the outdoors. We went on a lot of trips, hiking, skiing, river rafting when I was growing up and he always took pictures with his trusty Nikon F to show his classes. So my father taught me how to use a camera, but it wasn’t until I took a photography class in high school that I really fell in love with the medium.

PETER: Ansel Adams was my biggest inspiration starting out. I learned much of what I still know from his Basic Photo series. I also liked Eliot Porter for his color work. I admire many contemporary photographers who are pushing boundaries in the digital era. However, I still find myself drawn to photographs that are timeless, and the understated work of photographers like Robert Adams or Atget.

My father used to quote John Muir a lot. I inherited a complete set of Muir’s writings from him, and I have read many of the classic thinkers on wilderness, from Aldo Leopold to Edward Abbey. Finding Beauty in a Broken World by Terry Tempest Williams is sort of my guiding light for what a good environmental photograph should be.

The fountain in Las Vegas was photographed in 1993 as an example of wasting a precious resource in desert city.

Launch Gallery

DENNIS: People are always interested in finding out how photographers are able to get assignments from National Geographic. How did you make your connection?

PETER: When I was at the University of Missouri I was selected as a summer intern based on a portfolio I had submitted. It was how I got my foot in the door and I am still very thankful that National Geographic gave me that opportunity. It was truly life changing in every way.

DENNIS: Was there an event or situation that caused you to focus on environmental issues?

PETER: The assignment I did for a National Geographic special issue on water in 1993 was my first exposure to photographing an important environmental issue. I found I liked the intellectual challenge and the work seemed worthwhile beyond just the artistic value.

PETER: My favorite place of any that I have visited is Patagonia in the southern part of Argentina and Chile. The high desert, blue lakes, dramatic peaks of the Andes and the amazing clouds and weather are all a dream for a landscape photographer. The gauchos are also great subjects. Close runner-ups would be the Ansel Adams Wilderness, California, and Yoho National Park, British Columbia.

Overall, the most rewarding story I have done is about climate change in 2004. That is one I can look back on and feel good that I was able to do that story. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As Yogi Berra would say, those don’t come along too often.

“My best motivation to do environmental stories is when I see children like the boy looking out the window in Butte and wonder about the world we are leaving for them.”—Peter Essick

DENNIS: How about most challenging? The first project you and I did together was on non-point source water pollution, and just this year you took a new look at the impacts of fertilizer—an important aspect in the original story. We also did a project on “toxic people”—or the chemical pollution inside us, and then there was nuclear waste. None of those projects were easy, right?

PETER: In general, environmental stories are more difficult than landscape stories because of problems getting access to sites and finding people who will agree to be photographed. On the positive side, I found it exciting to work on a story like non-point source water pollution because it had never been done before and there were no other past stories to live up to. Stories on pollution or waste I find fascinating for the dystopian elements, and they usually have visual potential, too.

DENNIS: What did you learn about yourself and your work while editing this book and reviewing the photographs?

PETER: I feel I have a unique story to tell with this book. When I have been able to break through all the noise to try to be heard, I have been getting a good response. The combination of a photojournalist and environmentalist seems like a logical one, but it really isn’t all that common. I learned how to write about my photographs doing this book.

I often walk up Stone Mountain near my home in Georgia for exercise, and I found I got a lot of ideas while walking up and down the trail.

“Many of my successful photographs are the result of discovering a scene and then going back several times to get the best picture possible. This photograph is the result of having an idea and then executing it despite the obstacles.”—Peter Essick

DENNIS: What do you tell young photographers who come to you interested in pursuing the kind of work you have done?

PETER: Many people contact me saying they are interested in becoming a National Geographic photographer and I have taught many workshops on nature photography. However, very few young photographers seem as interested in doing environmental stories. I feel going forward we will need more photographers doing this work, and that is one of the reasons that I produced this book.

DENNIS: What kinds of projects would you like to do that you have not had a chance to pursue? Or put another way, what’s next for Peter?

PETER: This book and one coming out in the spring on the Ansel Adams Wilderness have opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I am doing lots of lectures, workshops, some exhibits. And I’m planning to keep making new nature and environmental photographs. I recently bought an Ebony view camera and have been using it to make 4×5 collodion wet plates. The images seem to have a lot of potential to evoke a passage of time that is unique to the process. In many ways, it feels like now I am reaching back to look forward.

There are 42 Comments. Add Yours.

Toby Madrigal
May 10, 2014

Local knowledge is very important: in the Derbyshire Peak District here in Britain, visitors are amazed at the scenery. However, they are blissfully unaware of the extensive industrial activity that has occurred in previous centuries, activity that has caused bad pollution, especially to water courses. Likewise, large areas of barren land, useless for farming because of the poisons left in the land after lead mining etc. The best way to see this is to look for water that flows but does not run clear. Mining for iron ore and lead leaves the topsoil heavily polluted and poisons cattle and sheep. Thus, farmers cannot raise beasts.

Sajeev TK
December 25, 2013

I am inspired to the core and I will continue to inspire more people to save the earth!

rihab osman
December 22, 2013

i didn’t hear about the environmental photojournalism before but i like it so match its a good perfect work thank you for making us happy.

Thank you Peter and Dennis. Your interview is inspiring. I’m very interested in environmental photojournalism though I have not known that’s what it is called. I’ve shot some images of the clear cutting in the NW but have wondered if there is a story and, if so, what to do with it. You’re interview inspired me to continue to pursue stories of environmental impact and devastation.

Anil Rajput
December 20, 2013

its memorable

Tim McSweeney
December 20, 2013

Peter and Dennis are inspirations to us all. Thanks for this wonderful article and exceptional photos.

Patricia Webb
December 20, 2013

Stunning and graphic photos. You are doing a wonderful job.

Hawaa
December 20, 2013

Breathtaking photos, well done works, impressing interview. I always really like this sort of work that cast light upon issues that most of us do not find them reachable, and that help raise public awareness about the negative effects of many practices.Thank you v. much.

Sonja van Zyl
December 19, 2013

Marvelous photography and thought provoking topics.

Dinsky
December 19, 2013

amazing pictures

Dinsky
December 19, 2013

I love the story and wonderful pictures

eliecer
December 19, 2013

Impressive.

Sonu
December 19, 2013

your work is quite inspiring, I appreciate your efforts!

Allison
December 19, 2013

Thanks so much for this interview – amazing images and stories, and it asked all the right questions. This is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of doing for a living but I didn’t know if such a job even existed on its own – but I’m so glad to know that a niche exists for people who are passionate about this. Thank you!

Emily
December 19, 2013

Thank you

Abhijith Padukana
December 19, 2013

I found what I was looking for, I’m all set to go on a new trail now, one that I never followed before. Thank you for opening up my mind 🙂

Kevin Kelly
December 19, 2013

Very inspiring commentary. It is interesting to hear your evolution from a photog to an environmental photographer and journalist. I have, at age 50, begun the work of writing and photographing my world to affect positive change. For me, your story is especially timely.

Fabrice Fays
December 19, 2013

Hi Peter,
absolutely beautiful post , so much to tell about our world, thanks for sharing.

Fabrice

Justin McFadden
December 19, 2013

Peter, I am inspired by your work. Bringing many environmental hazards to the public eye is so very important for the human species going forward. We are surrounded by unhealthy and unethical practices, and it’s important that we try and bring those to light. I just finished my first photography class at CMC Breckenridge in CO. My teacher Matt Lit helped me work my way around the camera and to bring my vision through the viewfinder. I am passionate about preserving our environment and going forward I will be using my camera to further the changes I can make. I’m so thankful I came across your work tonight. It’s inspiring and more fuel to drive my motorcycle throughout the west and documenting the good and bad things currently going on out here. Thanks ~ Justin

bulu imam
December 18, 2013

I looked up PROOGF on NG to see more about what you all are doing. Lynsey Addario was with us in Jharkhand recently photographing open cast coal mining in eastern India. I am happy to know that NG is taking the lead in documenting with photos and text the declining state of our planet’s environment and the impact on societies because some of it filters through to decision makers. Thank you for your great work and wonderful photographs!…From: BULU IMAM, Gandhi Foundation International Peace Award 2011, House of Lords,London

Mrinal
December 15, 2013

Awesome Photography

Beraldo Lilli
December 14, 2013

Sobering! Awesomely inspiring

Forest Aldridge
December 14, 2013

Amazing gallery and words to go along. You are an inspiration.

Sharon Younkin
December 14, 2013

amazing photographs

Terry Adamson
December 13, 2013

Excellent story and interview Dennis of a truly remarkable photojournalist

salman khan
December 13, 2013

I always wanted to be an environmental photojournalist, this story has complied me to really pursue ambitions of my life to fight for the cause I believe in most sincerely .

Hernan Zenteno
December 13, 2013

Working with the knowledge from scientists is a privilege. You honored it.

JUVY LOVE L.LACRE
December 12, 2013

what an amazing photo shots..it was a really inspiring article..and a proof that our environment is in real danger and an action to take to preserve its beauty.

Your photos get that viewer can feel the environment when you took it…. and that’s the art of the photography. Good job

Barbara Moller
December 12, 2013

Amazing photos with great commendary, so interesting- thank you.

Tiffany Blanchette
December 11, 2013

I find myself moved to tears not only by the impact of these environmental stories, but also by my passion for this kind of photojournalism. I hope my future holds such impactful stories. I would be overjoyed to create a body of work filled with stories like these.
Much appreciation to your work,
An Aspiring Environmental Photojournalist

John kirkpatrick
December 11, 2013

These photos come from the Heart. Its been said, ” man does not know how to direct his steps “. Photos like
these, show that We Yearn to Follow the one true path to Beauty, Love and Happiness.